Aintree Grand National falls to coronavirus pandemic

THE CORONAVIRUS pandemic last night claimed the Randox Health Grand National which became the latest high-profile sporting event to be cancelled.
Tiger Roll and Davy Russell were due to have attempted to win a third successive Grand National next month.Tiger Roll and Davy Russell were due to have attempted to win a third successive Grand National next month.
Tiger Roll and Davy Russell were due to have attempted to win a third successive Grand National next month.

Even though the British Horseracing Authority had announced, hours earlier, that racing would continue ‘behind closed doors’, starting at Wetherby today, the Aintree executive took the decision hours later. It came after the European Union confirmed that it was restricting all non-essential travel for the next 30 days, making it virtually impossible for a large contingent of Irish-trained runners to travel to Merseyside.

They had been expected to include Tiger Roll who would have attempted to become the first horse in history to win three successive Nationals.

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And then, at teatime, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Government was “no longer supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers”.

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell after their second Grand National win.Tiger Roll and Davy Russell after their second Grand National win.
Tiger Roll and Davy Russell after their second Grand National win.

Last night the BHA was seeking clarity on what this statement would mean for racing which, due to inherent safety risks, is dependent on the presence at meetings of NHS medics and private doctors.

There was also an acceptance that racing’s apparent reprieve could be shortlived if a jockey was to test positive for Covid-19 after France’s racing authorities cancelled all meetings until April 15.

The BHA the hopes that its precautions will sustain the sport for the time being and ensure racing, like Wetherby’s low key fixture, still generates some income from media rights via TV deals and betting turnover.

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But this proved insufficient to save the National – it was understood some Aintree officials had become increasingly wary of the race going ahead when the country is effectively in lockdown.

Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “The Randox Health Grand National Festival was just three weeks away and it’s very clear to us it will not be possible for the event to take place.

“Public health must come first. 

“We were working on a plan to stage the Grand National behind closed doors given its importance to the racing industry and beyond, but following the new Government measures confirmed this evening to help to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, this is not a viable option. 

“I know this is hugely disappointing news for the many people who work in our sport and the many millions who were looking forward to this year’s event, but very sadly these are exceptional times and this is the responsible thing to do.”

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